Camp is coming to a close — just 4 days to go. Looking back, I’m amazed at all the accomplishments each camper has achieved! As a counselor for the 2018 summer camp, I am so incredibly proud of all the campers and the challenges they’ve faced and overcome. And this week was no exception.
Camp is long, hot, and tiring. Trust me, I get it!
You (CAN)’t! — Every day, campers arrive ready to confront challenges on their own. It’s inspiring to watch campers who at first say that they can’t do something, then prove to themselves that they can. At first, campers were reluctant about all the workouts and activities, but the soon learned that when they faced and overcame challenges, they were so happy.
For a moment, think about a summer day at camp… It’s 93 degrees — not a cloud overhead — and you’re asked to line up for a 45-minute activity or an hour of rotations — challenges you don’t believe you can do anyway, much less in the blistering heat. You’re tired, sweating, and not happy, but you push through anyway. But when it’s over, you are exhausted, but with each success, you begin see that you are becoming stronger because you accomplished something you didn’t think you could. Each and every day, campers overcome fears to become better, stronger, and healthier. And I can’t express just how proud I am of them.
Pull..Pull..Pull! This week, we put strength to the test as two teams of campers squared off in a game of tug of war. We separated into two at random groups. Before the teams even started, campers on both sides doubted their ability to beat the opposing team. Fears and self-doubts can shut you down before you even start. But once the competition began, campers overcame fear and self-doubt and firmly grabbed the rope, believing that with a little faith in their abilities, a focused mind, and a positive attitude, they were strong enough to win. Both teams conquered getting the “W” — as a team and as individuals. All summer, scenes like this showed me how great and strong these kids truly are. As a counselor, I saw the joy and excitement on their faces as they realized “we are strong enough to win!” All summer, I’ve stressed the importance of turning negative thoughts into positive ones. And it’s true. Your attitude determines your direction — If you think you can do it, you can do it!
“Never give up. Don’t let frustration knock you down. Don’t let fear stand in your way. Don’t let time get in your head. Who cares how long it takes or how many times you try. Your only competition is yourself. And when you finally succeed, the struggle will all be worth it.” — Anonymous
To all campers — “I am SO very proud of all of you. You’ve worked hard to do your best. You inspire me every day in every way.” – Bree
